Rainbow Mountain and Red Valley Hike – 2 Days / 1 Night

5.0 (44 reviews) Cusco, Peru
Duration2 days
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
Group sizeUp to 12 travelers
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Experience Rainbow Mountain and the Red Valley in a more complete and authentic way. This 2-day trek takes you beyond the classic day trip, through remote Andean landscapes, colorful mountains, turquoise lakes, glacier views, and peaceful trails with fewer crowds.

You’ll hike near the sacred Ausangate Mountain, walk alongside llamas and alpacas, and connect with local Andean communities along the route. It’s the perfect short adventure for travelers who want stunning scenery, culture, and a real high-Andean trekking experience.

Highlights

- Visit Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicunca
- Explore the stunning Red Valley
- Trek through the Vilcanota Mountain Range
- Hike near Ausangate, Cusco’s most sacred mountain
- See turquoise lakes, glaciers, red valleys, llamas, and alpacas
- Enjoy a less-crowded alternative route
- Connect with local Andean communities

What's included

  • High-quality camping tents
  • Pre-departure briefing
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Experienced Mountain Guide
  • Sleeping bag, Sleeping pillow and Backpack rain cover
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Breakfast
  • Private transport and transfers during the tour
  • Muleteer team and pack animals
  • Trekking poles with rubber tips (pair)
  • Personal duffel bag (up to 5 kg / 11 lb)
  • Ausangate trek, Rainbow mountain and red valley entrance fee
  • Personal hygiene items such as soap and a small towel
  • Camping Equipment (tents, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, tables, and chairs)
  • Morning tea and daily happy hour
  • Satellite phone, oxygen supply, and first aid kit available at all times
  • Meals not mentioned (dinner on Day 2)
  • Clothing and personal hiking equipment
  • Travel Insurance (Recommended)
  • Gratuities (Optional)

What to expect

Day 1: Cusco - Pitumarca - Quesiuno - Puka Pass - Anantapata - Warmisaya Pass - Surineqocha
  1. Cusco
    2h 30m
    Your adventure begins early in the morning with a departure from Cusco to Quesiuno, where you’ll enjoy an energizing breakfast before starting your hike.
  2. Pitumarca
    3h
    Trek through scenic Andean valleys with incredible views of the towering Ausangate, surrounded by alpacas and local communities.
    You’ll ascend to Abra Puka Pass (4,870 m / 15,977 ft) before continuing to Anantapata for lunch.
  3. 3h
    In the afternoon, reach the highest point of the day at Warmisaya Pass (4,985 m / 16,355 ft), where you’ll catch your first glimpse of Rainbow Mountain.
  4. Nevado Ausangate
    10h
    End the day with a descent to your campsite at Surineqocha, where you’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night under the clear Andean sky.
Day 2: Surineqocha - Rainbow Mountain, Vinincunca - Red Valley - Llacto - Cusco
  1. Nevado Ausangate
    1h
    Start your day early with coca tea and breakfast at camp.
  2. Rainbow Mountain Peru
    3h · Admission ticket included
    Then, hike for approximately 2 hours to reach Rainbow Mountain (5,100 m / 16,732 ft), where you’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Ausangate and the surrounding Andes.
  3. 1h 30m · Admission ticket included
    Continue toward the Red Valley (5,050 m / 16,568 ft), a unique and less-visited landscape known for its striking red formations and dramatic scenery.
  4. 2h
    Finally, descend to Llacto, where you’ll enjoy lunch before boarding your private transportation
  5. Pass by
    Private transportation will take you comfortably to the city of Cusco

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

We recommend booking hotels in the center of Cusco.
The pickup time is between 03:30 and 04:00 am.

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have a high level of physical fitness
  • It's recommended to arrive in Cusco at least 2 days before the trek to adjust to the altitude.
  • Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
  • Please ensure your passport is up to date and ready for use on your travel day
  • Children aged 12 and over may participate and must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
  • Solo travelers are welcome and can join shared groups. No minimum participants required. Most departures are guaranteed.
  • Keep in mind this hike is a challenging trek. travellers have to be in good health and physical shape to fully enjoy every moment of this adventure.
  • Vegetarian or, vegan options are available, please advise at time of booking if required

Cancellation policy

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Reviews

5.0 (44)
From
$440.00 per person
Check availability & book
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
More activities in Cusco
From
$440.00 per person
Check availability